HPV or Skin Irritation

[jack797]

Hello Doc,

Approximately 34 hours ago I had unprotected sex with a friend.  When I woke up this morning I noticed a very small dot about half way up my shaft (no hair follicles that I notice around that area).  When I noticed that, I was worried and further inspected the area and then noticed that at the base of my penis where my pubic hair starts I noticed what looked like redness in different hair follicles.  I usually wouldn't worry about that because I would just think it would be some sort of irritation or folliculitis.  The reason I worried was because of the small bump I saw.  

My question is do you think that this could be an STD or some sort of irritation from the sex or natural occurance?  Also I had Molluscum Contagiosum (misspelled prob) once and treated it with aldara and since I saw these areas of concern this morning I applied it to the areas just in case since I had some cream left over.  Am I just over inspecting possibly? I wouldn't think that any STD would show this soon but thought I would ask regardless.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I only just noticed the title of your question refers to HPV, not HSV.  HPV cannot show up sooner than a few weeks after exposure.  As for herpes, the location also is wrong.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

You are correct that no STD, including herpes, can cause symptoms so soon after exposure.  2-3 days is the minimum.  Further, the location you describe -- in the pubic (hairy) area -- is atypical for herpes or other STDs.  It is more likely that you have folliculitis or other minor skin infection.  Or perhaps, as you suggest, you are just looking too closely.  If in doubt, see a health care provider.  But stop using Aldara or anything else.  Aldara will cause the area to be red and inflamed, making it much harder for a provider to know what is going on.  Just keep the area clean with soap and water once a day.

I hope this helps. Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[jack797]

Ok, well thank you very much.  This is my last post and appreciate all your advice Dr. Handsfield.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Any skin inflammation can make other skin features more prominent.  So yes, putting Aldara on the area might make other bumps or skin conditions move obviously visible.  Other than that, I can't say anything more about the possible causes.  Whatever you have, it isn't an STD you caught during the encounter 36 hours earlier.

[jack797]

Thanks for the help.  I agree with you on the aldara cream.  It only has seemed to make it look worse the next day.  Kinda started seeing other little spots now.  Would the aldara cream bring out those new spots maybe?  I am discontinueing the cream to see what happens.  I also think I came into contact to some poison ivy or a similar type of plant that same day because I had a rash on my leg and I did scratch it and I am thinking I may have passed it to my area of concern.  The only thing is that the spots near my penis didn't itch.